Intova Mini Torch

[BDSC]

I just got off the phone with Ryan who works for Intova and he said the "Mini" was a new product just out a short while. I have checked a couple of sites but they are on back order on the sites I have looked at.

Ryan is suppose to send me a list of dealers so maybe I can find one before Christmas.

 

[SkimFisher]

I have a Compact Torch - which I just sent back to Intova for repair/replacement after it failed on me during a dive (only four weeks old). They are good lights - but, the new push-button tail switches they're using for these lights are a new concept/design and they are having problems here and there from what I understand.

 

[CompuDude]

Yeah, I've read the treads and reviews of that one. I'd like it if they made a version with AA batteries though - just being picky

Not sure what to think of the push button. On the mini the description says it's a magnetic switch. That would avoid parts penetrating the "housing" making it a pretty tough little light as long as the switch stays in place.

I'll have to check one out "in person",

Henrik

I'd prefer a slightly chubbier light a AA instead as well, but I'd still pick AAA over CR123A any day of the week.

The push button on the Compact is easy to use and has been been fully reliable thus far on the two I own. I reserve judgment for long term reliability for when there actually is a "long term". For general OW dives it shouldn't matter too much, I'd think.

 

[gcbryan]

From what I can recall there are two versions of the Compact Torch. Both use magnetic switches but one is a tail push button and one is a sliding side switch. I think the side switch model uses CR123a batteries and the push button model uses AA (AAA?).

I wouldn't consider 130 lumen to be a primary light however unless you are diving in situations where you really don't need a light so then I guess any light you use would be primary.

These do seem to be a good value for the money.

 

[CompuDude]

From what I can recall there are two versions of the Compact Torch. Both use magnetic switches but one is a tail push button and one is a sliding side switch. I think the side switch model uses CR123a batteries and the push button model uses AA (AAA?).

I wouldn't consider 130 lumen to be a primary light however unless you are diving in situations where you really don't need a light so then I guess any light you use would be primary.

These do seem to be a good value for the money.

Nope. There is one "compact torch" which is the only model with a push button on the back and the only model that takes AAA batteries. This is a very new light model for Intova.

There are several other models of dive lights made by Intova. All take CR123A batteries and have sliding magnetic switches. There is are two narrow versions ("Nova"), an older 3.0 watt and a newer 4.7 watt, and two wide versions ("Nova Wide"), the older 3.0 watt and newer 4.7 watt. The 3.0 watt versions have been kicking around for several years now.

The older models are no longer listed, but the current lineup is all laid out on the Intova site.

There is also the "Super Nova" but that light is not anything like the others, and is an entirely different class of light.

 

[gcbryan]

This is what I was referring to:

Diving Back-Up Lights - Dive Gear Express

I also don't get the "newer" 4.7 watt 130 lumen concept. What emitter are they pushing to 1.3 amp to only get 130 lumen?

It's certainly not a "new" emitter.

 

[Rhone Man]

I hope that they haven't done what so many people do - take a great product, and "innovate" it so that it isn't as good as it originally was.

 

[BDSC]

Well I just ordered one of the Mini Torches. It's on backorder so I don't know when I will get it but after I do, I'll let you know all about it and try and post some pics.

 

[joystershell]

I have both the Compact and the Mini lights by Intova. Love them both, the size and weight is quite comfortable. As for the CR123A batteries, due to the cost, a friend ordered a "brick" of them, and price was much lower that way. Between three of us, each with a pair of lights, it was well worth it. My only complaint is about the slide switch. It has become extremely difficult to turn on, even more so to turn off. May need to contact the manufacturer about that issue.

 

[SkimFisher]

I have both the Compact and the Mini lights by Intova. Love them both, the size and weight is quite comfortable. As for the CR123A batteries, due to the cost, a friend ordered a "brick" of them, and price was much lower that way. Between three of us, each with a pair of lights, it was well worth it. My only complaint is about the slide switch. It has become extremely difficult to turn on, even more so to turn off. May need to contact the manufacturer about that issue.

Yeah, I own a few SureFire tac lights and usually order mine in bulk as well. If you ever have gun shows stop in your area it's a great place to pick up a ton of those for a reasonable price. Much cheaper to buy the little buggers in bulk.